Career Opportunities in the Field of Design

Finding a career path in any industry or field can at times be a little tricky, but there are steps that one can take to ensure a great chance of overall success.  Fashion design offers a variety of career opportunities.  Much of the challenge is to find a way to stand out and make the most out of that opportunity.

Starting Your Own Line

At first the idea of starting one’s own line might seem a bit daunting, but what better way is there to show what you can do?  You can start small with a few pieces and build your way up.  Even if your first effort does not yield immediate results, you most definitely have shown prospective employers several key attributes.  First, you are able to show that you can design. By having your own clothing, you can show your vision in the real world and not just on paper.  Secondly, your own line also shows, rather importantly, that you can pick a path and stay with it until it is completed.  If you were looking to hire an employee, wouldn’t you want to see initiative?  Further, starting your own line demonstrates that you are willing to work hard and are determined.  While starting your own small fashion line might seem a bit counterintuitive, there are numerous good reasons to do so.

Become a Fashion Stylist

You would be surprised how many people need to hire fashion stylists because they lack the personal know-how necessary to put together their own outfits.  That is why becoming a fashion stylist is a potential career in the world of fashion design.  A fashion stylist takes into account a person’s unique personality and coordinates the perfect outfit or outfits.  Fashion stylists work to put together looks which complement a person’s unique body shape and attributes.

Consider Becoming a Fashion Writer or Fashion Reporter

If you have solid writing skills, then you might want to consider pairing your writing abilities with your fashion know-how. There have been many successful designers, such as Vera Wang, who have also worked on the media side of fashion. 

Why not take a shot at being a fashion reporter?  Consider the possibilities for a moment.  Working as a fashion reporter will allow you several exceptional opportunities.  One, you will be able to meet all sorts of fashion “heavy hitters.”  You may even be interviewing them at some point.  Another important reason to consider fashion reporter as a major career opportunity is that it will allow you to learn, learn, and learn.  As a fashion reporter, you will be paid to study fashion and pick it apart.  This will allow you to learn on the job while being paid.  All the while, a smart would-be designer is taking notes, mentally and figuratively. 

Consider Participating on Fashion Television

Yes, it might be difficult to make your way onto the set of a show like Project Runway, but, if you do make it, the rewards are potentially substantial.  After all, you would be able to network with all sorts of industry players and learn a good deal while on the job.  Our celebrity-driven society gives perks to those who have been on television – that’s just the way it is.  Keep in mind that not all reality television shows have the level of competition that one associates with a show like Survivor, for example.  Project Runway receives only a fraction of the applications of a show like Survivor.  If you already have a strong portfolio of work, that might instantly put you in the “maybe” pile.

Be Creative

The trick is to be creative. For a fashion designer that may come naturally.  So think of ways that you can approach the fashion industry in a new way, and create some opportunities of your own.